Basis of obesity and high blood pressure runs in familiesMarch 19, 2003High levels of the hormone cortisol are associated with obesity and high blood pressure. Now new work presented at the British Endocrine Societies 2003 meeting, from Professor John Connell's group at the University of Glasgow, will show for the first time that increased production of cortisol runs in families. This indicates a genetic risk of obesity and cardiovascular problems and identifies a potential target for treatment of these conditions. The group measured cortisol metabolism in over 100 families in the UK. They found that the activity of one enzyme, 11betaHSD1, was very variable between individuals, but showed strong heritability. 11betaHSD1 regenerates cortisol from an inactive compound in fat tissue. As well as pinpointing possible treatment targets, identifying heritable risk factors for conditions such as obesity and cardiovascular conditions may aid prevention through monitoring of high-risk groups. Commenting on the implications of these results, Professor Connell said, 'The study was designed to investigate the evidence that obesity and high blood pressure is related to increased cortisol. We have found that the ability to regulate cortisol levels in tissue is heritable, it is clear that control of this process is a potential target in the treatment of obesity and diabetes. Altering regulation of 11betaHSD1 could play an important role in future therapies'. Society for Endocrinology |
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| Related Obesity Current Events and Obesity News Articles Physical education key to improving health in low-income adolescents School-based physical education plays a key role in curbing obesity and improving fitness among adolescents from low-income communities, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco and UC Berkeley. Energy gap useful tool for successful weight loss maintenance strategy Americans continue to get heavier. Most weight control methods short of bariatric surgery are generally considered ineffective in preventing obesity or reducing weight. TV bombards children with commercials for high-fat and high-sugar foods Childhood obesity in the United States is reaching epidemic proportions. With more than one fourth of advertising on daytime and prime time television devoted to foods and beverages and continuing questions about the role television plays in obesity. New scientific study indicates that eating quickly is associated with overeating According to a new study accepted for publication in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM), eating a meal quickly, as compared to slowly, curtails the release of hormones in the gut that induce feelings of being full. American Dietetic Association Releases Updated Position Paper Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding The American Dietetic Association has released an updated position paper on breastfeeding that details health benefits for both infants and mothers and encourages promotion of breastfeeding whenever possible. Addressing obesity via the 'energy gap' The November issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association features a commentary by James O. Hill, an honorary ADA member, professor of pediatrics and medicine and director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Colorado-Denver. MSU researcher: Obesity significantly cuts odds of successful pregnancy Obese women are as much as 28 percent less likely to become pregnant and have a successful pregnancy, according to research that earned a Michigan State University professor a national award. Study: Lap band surgery effective for morbidly obese children A surgeon at Children's National Medical Center and his colleagues from New York University have found laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Lap band) to improve the health of morbidly obese adolescents. Gastroenterology/hepatology societies release report evaluating fellowship training curriculum Due to the increasing complexities of treating digestive diseases, allowing gastroenterological (GI) trainee physicians the opportunity to develop enhanced abilities and experiences in specific disease areas or procedures will be a great benefit to patients, according to a "Report of the Multisociety Task Force on GI Training." Study finds link between childhood physical abuse and arthritis Adults who had experienced physical abuse as children have 56 per cent higher odds of osteoarthritis compared to those who have not been abused, according to a new study by University of Toronto researchers. More Obesity Current Events and Obesity News Articles |
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